Murder of family planned: authorities

C OLU MBUS, OHIO • Attorney General Mike DeWine said Sunday that the slayings of eight family members in rural southern Ohio “was a pre- planned execution” and he expects the investigation will be lengthy.

The Friday killings at four different homes near Piketon was “a sophisticated operation,” DeWine said at a news conference in the small community that has been on edge since the seven adults and one teenage boy were found shot in the head.

“This was very methodical. This was well planned. This was not something that just happened,” said Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader.

Authorities have been scrambling to determine who targeted the clan and why. Investigators have interviewed more than 30 people in hopes of finding leads in the deaths.

The victims were identified Saturday as 40- year- old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his 16-year-old son, Christopher Rhoden Jr. ; 44- year- old Kenneth Rhoden; 38- yearold Gary Rhoden; 37- yearold Dana Rhoden; 20- yearol d Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; 20- year- old Hannah Gilley; and 19- year- old Hanna Rhoden.

It appeared some of the family members were killed as t hey slept, i ncluding Hanna Rhoden, who was in bed with her newborn baby nearby, authorities said. The infant was 4- or 5- days old. The baby, Hannah Gilley’s 6- month- old baby, and one other small child were not hurt.

Since the slayings, authorities have refused to discuss many details of the crime, including any evidence or the search for the assailant or assailants.

Investigators sought tips and gave people a number to call if they had any details about the crimes.

A Cincinnati- area businessman al s o put up a US$25,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the killer or killers.